Kukla's Korner Hockey

“You can have no idea how moved I am by the thoughts and wishes and prayers of so many people,” Béliveau said during my hour-long visit with him on Wednesday, Élise tight by his side as she’s been for their nearly 59 years of marriage.

“It’s been tremendous.”

He’s lost some weight during his latest challenge, one of too many tests this good man has had to stare down since he battled a cancerous tumour in his neck a dozen years ago. Béliveau is down to 190 pounds, under 200 for the first time in as long as he can remember.

But still, he looks terrific, and you’re not merely saying that when you tell him so. He smiles and replies: “I might not feel as good as I look, but I know this isn’t easy.”

His baritone is still rich and his familiar accent fairly booms in welcome from his chair by the window as I enter the room. His grip? It’s as strong as ever.

Big Jean admits he’s fatigued at this noon-hour as he combs his thick white hair with uniquely curved fingers. Already this day, he’s done considerable walking, been lovingly poked and prodded by hospital staff and enjoyed the visit of Yvan and Evelyn Cournoyer.